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Cutting back mandevilla indoors #678167

Asked December 10, 2020, 7:47 PM EST

We have a beautiful mandevilla we brought indoors in the late fall. We put it by a window in our room (south facing) with twine up and down the window so the branches could grow, and it is flourishing. But it's flourishing TOO MUCH and the vines are all the way to the ceiling and starting to wrap around the bar holding the curtains. So, I'm curious if I can cut back the vines and how far I can safely cut them back? Thank you sincerely - Jayson

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.

By putting the plant by a window, you are choosing to not let it go dormant. Nitrogen fertilizer is not needed and may cause exuberant leafing and branching.  Trim as you wish--you will not hurt the plant. 

The plant will not bloom.

Those vines at the top are growing to find light.  They are not finding it so they have no leaves. Trim them off. Weekly haircuts are fine.
Windows can get cold and this may give you some brown leaves.  Cut them off right away.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/mandevilla/winterizing-mandevillas.htm

Thank you, this is so helpful. Follow-up questions. Would it be better to let the mandevilla go dormant? We're happy with it by the window and enjoy it the way it is, but if it's better for the plant to go dormant, we can do that instead. 

And in the spring, since the arms of the plant will have twisted around the twine by the window, how would we move it back outside? Would we cut the vines off and let it start fresh? 

Thank you again -

Jayson

The Question Asker Replied December 13, 2020, 9:57 AM EST

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